This isn't so much a match report as more a rambling review of today. I've probably missed loads out, it probably bears no resemblance to what happened, but I don't care. Everyone involved today is an absolute hero - from Craig Samson for his penalty save to Steven Thompson for his winner and everyone else in between. There were no failures. For us to have any chance everyone had to be on their game and they were - Murdo MacLeod admitting on the radio our team were worthy of 8, 9 or 10 ratings. It was a terrific team effort - and you know what? 3-2 flattered Celtic.
There were signs of what was to come as early as the first minute when terrific play forced a corner, which we messed up. Esmael Goncalves made his debut and took just eight minutes to make his mark - playing the ball into Paul McGowan, who played it to Conor Newton before he crossed it back in for Goncalves to prod home via the post. It was terrifically done and silenced those who questioned the decision to put the new boy in from the start. An instant hero - and he was superb all afternoon, not giving the Celtic defence a moment's piece. Those of who had come hoping to see Saints finally score at Hampden had got their wish.
We made a few more foray's forward in the first half without really threatening Lukasz Zaluska but the defence seemed to be holding its own against Celtic, referee Willie Collum making some ridiculous decisions in their favour. Newton was booked for nothing, Victor Wanyama clobbered McGowan and didn't get anything. We seemed to be getting every break at the back, Marc McAusland, David van Zanten, Graham Carey and Jim Goodwin doing a terrific job while the Hoops hit the bar twice, but just before half-time Scott Brown crossed and Gary Hooper was unmarked to tap in the equaliser. There were shouts of offside, but to me he looked on - just. And as the officials had just ignored someone being a good few yards off a minute earlier there was no way this one was going to be disallowed.
It was important we didn't let the heads drop as we'd have deserved our half-time lead, but for the first 10 minutes of the second half we were all over the place. We could barely get out of our half before Lassad rifled in a shot and it smacked into Goodwin's hands. Collum couldn't point to the spot quickly enough and booked Goodwin - although apparently it won't keep him out the final. Mind you, Chick Young said that so I have my doubts. A final place was the furthest thing from our minds as Charlie Mulgrew stepped up, but Samson did brilliantly to dive to his right and keep it out. The aftermath was cleared, the roar from the other end of the stadium was huge - this was game on.
We began to get a bit more of a foothold in the game. Gary Teale tried to hammer the ball into the before he booked the defender. It was tense stuff, I didn't know whether to watch or turn away. It was the defining moment - score and we could do it, miss and we could chuck it. McGowan was cool, calm and collected and slotted it past Zaluska. This was winnable.
A few minutes later came the moment we all dream of. Not seeing our team score a winner at Hampden,but scoring the winner for our team at Hampden. A Carey free-kick wasn't properly cleared and there were a few groans when the ball found it's way to McAusland but the defender's cross found fellow Saints fan Steven Thompson and his shot flew into the net despite the best efforts of Zaluska. Breathing space.
But there was no time to relax as Celtic pushed to find a way back into the match, while we continued to push for a fourth on the counter. David Barron replaced the oustanding John McGinn and late on Lee Mair and Lewis Guy came on for goal heroes McGowan and Goncalves. The Saints support backed their team to the hilt in the longest 25 minutes of the season. I was knackered by the end so god knows how the team feel.
Celtic went close but we defended brilliantly, keeping the ball in the corner for the few minutes of stoppage time. Surely we couldn't lose this - then Celtic broke and Mulgrew rattled one past Samson to reduce the deficit. The celebrations were muted - and short lived, Collum not even bothering to resume play before blowing for full time to begin the Paisley party that will continue for some time.
No one gave us a chance - and to be honest I went fearing the worst. No goals at Hampden since 1987. No goals against Celtic in eight games. Not going particularly well, a shocker against Ross County last week. It was all irrelevant. Every player today was sensationally and it's fantastic they'll get a chance to become bona fide legends. Samson for his penalty heroics today and against Aberdeen, van Zanten after missing out a few years ago, Carey, Barron and Mair after being involved in 2010, Goodwin for his leadership qualities, McGinn for looking like he's been in the team for years, Newton for that cross, Teale for winning the penalty, McGowan and Goncalves for their goals and McAusland and Thompson for being damn good Buddies - and all those who played a part in the earlier rounds.
It's Hearts in the final. We'll be underdogs, but it's winnable. Bring on March 17.
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